Monastery of Santa Maria della Giustizia, building in Taranto, Italy
The Monastery of Santa Maria della Giustizia is a medieval building in Taranto that originated in the 12th century as a shelter for pilgrims and crusaders. The structure features simple stone walls, arches, and small windows characteristic of the period, while the church itself was constructed during the 14th century with more substantial architectural techniques.
The site was founded in 1119 on land granted by a French noblewoman and initially served as a shelter for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. In 1482, Olivetan Benedictine monks took control, but the monastery suffered severe damage during a Turkish raid in 1594 that destroyed interior decorations and set parts of the building ablaze.
The monastery takes its name from a 12th-century story about a hermit named Ferlizio who lived near the Tara river and received help from a local prince. The name Santa Maria della Giustizia reflects this tale of compassion and justice that remains woven into the local memory.
The grounds are open for visitors to walk around and explore the ruins of the building from the outside. Although the monastery sits within a modern industrial zone, it retains historical character and can be visited independently without scheduled tours.
Archaeological digs on the grounds have uncovered graves carved directly into the rock, revealing that the site was used by people centuries before the monastery was built. This early occupation suggests the location may have served salt production purposes long before the religious structure arose.
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